1993 Ford Thunderbird Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

When working on or around brake assemblies, care must be taken to prevent breathing asbestos dust, as many manufacturers incorporate asbestos fibers in the production of brake linings. During routine service operations the amount of asbestos dust from brake lining wear is at a low level, due to a chemical break down during use and a few precautions will minimize exposure. Do not sand or grind brake linings unless suitable local exhaust ventilation equipment is used to prevent excessive asbestos exposure.

The brake shoe and lining assemblies should be replaced if the lining is worn to...

MARK VII

Parking Brake

• Fully release parking brake, then place transmission in neutral and support vehicle at rear axle.
• Tighten adjuster nut until levers on calipers just begin to move, then loosen adjuster nut until levers just return to stop position.
• Apply and release parking brake. Check levers on caliper to determine if they are fully returned by attempting to pull lever rearward. If lever moves, the adjustment is too tight and must be readjusted.

CONTINENTAL, COUGAR, MARK VII & THUNDERBIRD

Parking Brake

• Fully release parking brake, then place transmission in neutral and support vehi...

HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID COLOR

Hydraulic brake fluid must conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 116. Under this standard, brake fluids are visually different from other automotive fluids such as transmission, power steering and engine.

Fluid color in a normal brake system may vary from its original color for many reasons. A brake master cylinder may show significantly different shades fluid color between the two brake master cylinder reservoirs. Color may also appear to vary between cast steel and die cast aluminum reservoirs. Some reasons for discolorati...

BRAKE ROUGHNESS

The most common cause of brake chatter on disc brakes is a variation in thickness of the disc. If roughness or vibration is encountered during highway operation or if pedal pumping is experienced at low speeds, the disc may have excessive thickness variation. To check for this condition, measure the disc at 12 points with a micrometer at a radius approximately one inch from the edge of the disc. If thickness measurements vary by more t...

CALIPER, REPLACE

The hydraulic system must be depressurized before disconnecting any hydraulic lines or fittings. Depressurize the system by pumping the brake pedal a minimum of 25 times with the ignition switch in the OFF position.

EXCEPT ASPIRE, CAPRI, ESCORT, FESTIVA, PROBE & TRACER

Before removing calipers, mark lefthand and righthand calipers so they can be installed in the same position.

• On 1994 Continental, Sable and Taurus models, turn air suspension service switch off.
• On all models, raise and support front of vehicle, then remove wheel and tire assembly.
• Loosen brake tube fi...

WARNING LAMP DIAGNOSIS

The anti-lock brake system uses two warning indicators to alert the driver of malfunctions in the system.

The red "Brake" warning lamp will come on for only two reasons:

• If brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir falls below level determined by set point of fluid level switch.
• If parking brake is applied.

The amber "Check Anti-Lock Brake" lamp will come on for numerous reasons. It warns the driver the ABS has been turned off due to a symptom existing in the system. Normal power braking remains but the wheels may lock during a panic stop while the warning...